Fetal Development by Month

Although every baby develops differently, this guide will give you an idea of how your baby is growing and developing throughout your pregnancy.

Third Month

Your little fetus is about 2.5 inches long (crown to rump) and weighs nearly an ounce. His or her reflexes are functioning, and the digestive tract is active and secreting bile - all to prepare your baby for life outside of your body. Stem cells, the "mother cells" that will become heart, brain, liver, bone, blood, nerve, and immune cells, continue to differentiate to form your baby's major organs. He or she now looks more like a little person and the head is the biggest part of its body - accounting for nearly 1/2 of its total size. He or she has eyes, a chin, bits of teeth, a nose, and a forehead and the fingers and toes are almost fully formed.

You may begin to regain some of your energy and appetite about now, and although you probably still don't look pregnant, your pants may be getting a little tight. You may also experience indigestion, bloating, and gassiness, thanks to all the progesterone your body is producing. To help relieve some of the discomfort, eat several small meals instead of three bigger ones.

See What Happens Next Month!

First Month
Second Month
Third Month
Fourth Month
Fifth Month
Sixth Month
Seventh Month
Eighth Month
Ninth Month